Jun 23 LIVE REVIEW: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets take us on a journey through space and time

In the ultimate performance of their nationwide tour following the release of their third album, And Now For The Whatchamacallit, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets returned home to provide us lucky attendees with a sensory experience they alone could supply.

Opening this night were the incredibly talented Great Gable whom, following their appearances at Groovin’ the Moo and SOTA Festival, provided yet another bumper performance and once again showed their ability to consistently deliver live. Their reggae-influenced alternative indie sound was the perfect conduit through which to smoothly transport the crowd into the unique and immersive world created inside Astor Theatre that night. Playing fan favourites such as ‘Taste’ and ‘Drift’, whilst a live rendition of their new single, ‘Cool Mind Blue’ were stand-outs.

Following them, in what was another stellar decision from the organisers, were Raave Tapes. Punching the bpm’s up with their original blend of what seemed to be punk, dance and rock; the result was a coherent blend of energy and head-bopping fun. Despite having not listened to them before this, I could immediately see the appeal of their music. Whilst the combination of dance and punk seems an unlikely combo, they not only pull it off, they use the inherent energy found in chords and beats associated with punk; incorporating it seamlessly with the opportunity to express and wiggle your body in ways only dance provides. This choice was the perfect lead-up to the main act, and the crowd seemed to agree.

As the final songs of Raave Tapes were pumped out, the loyal fanbase of PPC flooded the floor in anticipation for the upcoming act. A short time later – though it felt a lifetime – Psychedelic Porn Crumpets took the stage. A roar went up and the boys took a moment to soak it all in. They then released a lingering chord that filled the enclosed and packed venue. This note naturally evolved into the ethereal ‘Entropy’ before ramping up into their second song, ‘Gurzle.’

This signalled the beginning of a journey for me as I was thrust into a soundscape formed by one of Perth’s premier psych-rock outfits. This soundscape, combined with stunning lighting work and the intimacy that Astor Theatre provides, furthered my immersion into the world created by PPC’s tunes. The experience from here transcended words, as my memory became a blur of moshes, fuzzy riffs and beaming faces. Riding the mosh as they blasted tunes from all albums, with bangers like ‘Bill’s Mandolin’ and my personal favourite, ‘Found God in a Tomato’ played through with seemingly boundless energy as the boys demonstrated their elite showmanship.

Opening the encore with a lovely change of tone and rhythm with ‘Dependant on Mary’, their apparent love for fuzz and buzz immediately returned with the ever-relevant ‘Keen for Kick Ons?’ and iconic ‘Cubensis Lenses’ representing their final songs. This intense and non-stop driving energy, whilst providing an incredible ride, perhaps lacked a touch of variety and is the source of my only complaint. I feel the setlist may have benefitted from a rendition of some of their softer tunes such ‘First Light in the Garden at Chipping’ or even an attempt of the fan favourite ‘Denmark/Van Gogh Gone’ to provide a nice contrast from their high energy norm. This, however, did not hinder the show for me, rather standing as a point that could elevate the performance even further in the future.

Overall, the performances of the night were absolutely outstanding and represent one of the best shows I have had the pleasure of attending. It has left no doubt in my mind as to why Psychedelic Porn Crumpets have such a cult following of loyal fans. Their music is completely unique and the people who follow them, do so purely upon the respect of their artistic value and incredible showmanship. If you get the chance to catch them live, don’t miss it – these boys certainly know how to put on a show.

La Dispute are about to embark on a huge Australian tour that will see them play 15 shows all across the country. The tour will kick off here in WA, with successive shows at Amplifier Bar in Perth and the Newport Hotel in Fremantle on the 5th and 6th of September respectively. We were lucky enough to talk on the phone to drummer and founding member Brad Vander Lugt ahead of these shows. (Banner image by Micala Renee)